A condominium is a single unit of real estate—usually a home or residence—in a multi-unit residential development in which each owner of a unit has both a separate ownership interest (often everything inside the front door)—and a common ownership interest (with other unit owners) in the common areas of the property outside the front door—such as roofs, hallways, driveways, walkways, stairways, stucco, brick, paint, stone, and landscaping.

A condominium development is usually governed by a homeowners’ association (HOA) through its board of directors, elected by the homeowners as provided by the HOA’s declaration and bylaws. Unit owners or homeowners in the association are required to pay monthly HOA dues for the maintenance and repair of the common areas of the property and its insurance.

In Pennsylvania, condominiums are governed by the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act (PUCA), which provides a framework for the creation, ownership, and management of condominium developments. Under this act, each condominium unit owner has an individual ownership interest in their unit and a shared interest in the common elements of the property, such as lobbies, roofs, and other communal areas. The condominium association, typically managed by a board of directors elected by the unit owners, is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of these common areas. The association's powers and responsibilities are outlined in its declaration and bylaws, which are binding documents that all unit owners must adhere to. Unit owners are required to pay regular assessments or dues to the association to cover the costs associated with the maintenance, repair, and insurance of the common areas. These regulations ensure that the property is well-maintained and that the rights and responsibilities of all parties are clearly defined.